Bathroom Makeover: Dark, Sophisticated, and Bright — Ontario Family Renovation

This before-and-after comes from Kahley and her husband Steve, who live in Ontario, Canada. They completely revamped their home’s only bathroom and proved that choosing dark, sophisticated finishes doesn’t have to sacrifice brightness and airiness. Below, Kahley shares the story of their renovation and the decisions that made this compact bathroom both functional and stylish.

We are a young family of four—my husband, our two kids, Noah (4) and Lexie (2), and me. Our only bathroom dated back to the 1950s, so it was definitely time for a renovation.

Design Goals: Maximum Function in a Small Space

Because this was the household’s single bathroom, the brief was straightforward: it needed to do a lot. Kahley and Steve wanted both a tub and a shower, more closet space, a spot for dirty laundry, and plenty of concealed storage. The objective was to pack high functionality into a compact footprint while maintaining a refined, cohesive look.

Color, Materials, and Custom Details

I chose the paint color from the start — Benjamin Moore “Gray.” I drew up the plans for the built-ins myself. The shower curtain is one I made from discount fabric found in the women’s suiting section at Fabricland. The striped Roman blinds were custom made by Tonic Living in Toronto, and the accent color I settled on was a warm golden mustard. The towels are from Sears.

Custom Vanity Inspired by a High-End Look

Kahley fell in love with a vanity she saw at Pottery Barn, but the retailer’s version was out of the budget. Rather than compromise on style, she had a similar vanity custom built for a fraction of the cost. The result keeps the same upscale aesthetic while fitting the family’s needs and space constraints.

Tile Choice: Glossy, Enlarged Subway for a Chic Look

The wall tile is what Kahley affectionately calls “sexy tile”: an enlarged subway tile (4″ x 12″) in a high-gloss gray finish, likely Centura. The glossy surface adds depth and a polished feel that reads modern and sophisticated. Even with darker tiles and a gray ceiling, the space remains bright thanks to thoughtful contrasts and the reflective qualities of the tile.

I wished we could have done a walk-in shower, but with only one bathroom and small children to bathe, we needed the tub. Still, I’m thrilled with how everything came together. Thanks for checking out our bathroom makeover — I hope you love it! — xo, Kahl

Function Meets Bold Style

The renovation balances practical additions—built-in storage on both sides of the shower, a laundry solution, and lots of concealed cabinet space—with bold design choices like dark gray tile and a painted gray ceiling. The combination of custom work, sourced materials, and DIY touches gives the bathroom a layered, intentional look that serves a busy family well.

Which element stands out most is up to the viewer: the clever built-ins that maximize storage and organization, or the daring color palette that transforms a once-dated room into a contemporary retreat. Either way, the project is a strong example of how smart planning and selective custom work can deliver a high-end result without an extravagant budget.

Psst — have a before-and-after project of your own? Send your story, photos, and relevant details to [email protected] to be considered for a Reader Redesign feature.